&pizza, the Washington, D.C.-born fast-casual chain known for its oblong pies and loud, counter-service shops, is finally heading west. The brand plans to open its first West Coast location inside the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas next spring, a key step in its push beyond a mostly Mid-Atlantic footprint and into high-traffic, tourist-heavy markets. Rio officials say the resort will own and operate the new shop as part of a broader refresh of its dining lineup.
As reported by KSNV, the &pizza outpost at the Rio is expected to open in the spring, with the resort running the location under &pizza’s recently launched franchising strategy. KSNV notes the brand — originally called H&pizza — has grown across Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, building its reputation on oval-shaped pies and an eclectic in-store vibe.
When the Shop Will Arrive and Why
QSR Magazine reports the Rio location is slated for Spring 2026. The outlet quoted Latitude Food Group CEO Mike Burns saying, “It’s been full throttle for &pizza this year, and we’re not letting off the gas anytime soon,” framing the move as part of an aggressive growth year for the chain. QSR Magazine also noted that Rio president and CEO Patrick Miller called &pizza’s creative approach a strong fit with the resort’s effort to pack in bold, guest-driven dining options.
Where &pizza Comes From
&pizza launched on Washington, D.C.’s H Street and has cultivated a cult following for its bold toppings, craft beverages and neighborhood-specific shop designs, according to the company. The brand began franchising in March 2025, a move industry outlets say has sped up talks for new units and helped set the stage for entries into markets like Las Vegas; Fast Casual covered the franchising launch in March.
What to Expect at the Rio
The Rio shop is expected to serve the chain’s signature oblong pies with irreverent names and rotating limited-time creations, along with grab-and-go options and craft nonalcoholic beverages, according to QSR Magazine. The opening fits into the Rio’s ongoing makeover, a multi-year, roughly $340 million transformation that has added new food-and-beverage destinations and modernized large portions of the resort, according to a press release via Business Wire.
What This Means Locally
Landing a national fast-casual name like &pizza gives the Rio another recognizable brand to help pull both tourists and locals into its revamped food hall and dining corridors. The resort’s announcement — and reporting from KSNV — frames the opening as part of a deliberate play to position the Rio as a culinary destination off the Strip, not just a spot for rooms and shows…